Ramsey County History – Spring 2006: “Lowertown: Another Perspective”

Lowertown: Another Perspective
Author: David Riehle

Fire insurance maps are valuable resources that can reveal some of the patterns of economic class. For instance, pink coloring on the plats is reserved for stone and blue for frame homes. The Hills, Gotzians and Uphams were socially active with each other, and mingling of the classes was common as people usually walked to stores and neighbors’ houses. The area surrounding the Hill family’s home included boarding houses and several saloons. City directories give the names and occupations of residents. There was even a significant mixture in churches. Social differentiation of classes in St. Paul would develop after the Hills moved to their new mansion on Summit Avenue.
PDF of Riehle article